Our lactation consultant
Marie McDermott joined our practice in 1999. She is a registered nurse specializing in newborn care and certified by the International Board of Certified Lactation.
Lactation services
- Helping first time and experienced mothers adjust to the experience and difficulties accompanied with breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding with multiples
- Preterm babies
- Latching with flat or inverted nipples
- Breastfeeding warning signs and when to call your health care provider
- Positioning
- Assisting newborn feeding difficulties
- Preventing nipple soreness and treatments for sore nipples
- Taking care of yourself
- Breastfeeding and nutrition
- Returning to work
- Pumping
- Medications and breastfeeding
- Answering all your lactation questions and concerns
Tips for getting started before speaking to our lactation consultant
Initially it is best to allow breast fed babies to feed on demand. For some infants this may be as frequent as every 1 ½ -2 hours. Until your baby has returned to their birth weight, feed them at least every 3 hours during the day and 4 hours at night.
You will want to ensure your baby has an effective or deep latch each time they are at the breast. This will allow your baby to take in more milk while nursing and will reduce the chances for sore nipples.
An ineffective latch could be a reason to seek help
Signs include:
- Baby has only the nipple in their mouth
- Lips are curled in
- You hear a clicking sound when sucking
- You do not hear swallowing
- You feel nipple or breast pain
- Your breasts may not soften or empty
- Your nipple looks pinched after nursing
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, have other concerns or would like reassurance please contact our office (978)-535-1110 to schedule an appointment with our lactation consultant.